Vending-machine.



No. 764,073. PATENTED JULY 5, 1904. J. B. PFEIFER, DECD.

G. PFEHER. ADMINISTRATRIX.

VBNDING MACHINE. APPLIOATION FILED A121114, 1903.

N0 MODEL.

PATBNTED JULY 5, 1904,

J. B. PFEIFER, DECD. G. PPEIPER. ADMINISTRATRIX.

VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 24. 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL,

yf sm mmmmmmmmmmw Umm HIIUHHIIIHIIIII umu mmm UNITED STATES- PatentedJuly 5, 1904.

PATENT OEETCE.

CATHERINE PFEIFER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ADMINISTRATRIX OF JOSEPH B.PFEIFER, DECEASED. v

VENDlNG-NIACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 764,073, dated July 5,1904.

Application filed April 24,1903. Serial No. 154,044. (No inodelJ I T(all '1r/71.0771, it muy concern:

which is simple and cheap in construction and effective in operation.This is accomplished by the means hereinafter fully described and asparticularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is a vertical longitudinal section of acoin-operated newspaper-vending machine embodying said invention, takenon dotted line l 1, Fig. 2, looking in the direction indicated by thearrows. 2 is a plan view of the same, showing the top of the casethereof removed. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical central sectionthereof, taken on dotted line 3 3, Fig. 2, looking in the directionindicated by the arrows. Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section throughthe actuating .mechanism removed from the machine and drawn full sizeand taken on dotted line 4 4, Fig. l, looking' in the directionindicated by the arrows. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the forwardbroken-away portion of the same with the plate covering it removed. Fig.6 is a front view of the adjustable plate used to regulate the width ofthe discharge-opening of the machine, showing portions thereof brokenaway.

In the drawings, A represents a verticallyelongated case, which isdivided into an upper and a lower compartment A and A2 by a transversehorizontal partition B. The papers or publications intended to be soldby this machine are stacked or piled upon a verticallymovable tray ortruck C in the lower compartment A2, and this tray is made to normallypress upward to keep said papers or publications pressing' up againstthe partition B allI the time by means of suitable bails c and cords orcables c', depending from a spring-roller D, journaled in the sides ofthe case in the upper compartment A near the top of the case. Thesecords or cables and the bails of the tray move in vertical grooves L inthe sides of the case, substantially as shown. The roller between saidsides is incased in a suitable cylinder d and at one end is providedwith a-ratchet and pawl d' Z2 to prevent the reverse Iof the rolleragainst the tension of the spring independent of the reel upon whichsaid cords or cables are wound, and its opposite journal extends throughits bearings to the outside of the case and is squared to permit a crankto be fitted thereon to enable the roller to be wound independent of itsreels to tighten the v spring' whenever necessary.

The front of the case is provided with a horizontal discharge-opening7),the upper edge of which is in the same horizontal plane as the und ersurface of the partition B. This dis'- charge-opening is of suflicientwidth to permit of the uppermost publication vor paper stacked on thetray C to be expelled from the machine, and its lower edge is preferablyprovided with a vertically*adjustable shield E, which consists of aninverted-channel-shaped metal shell the inner vertical side plate ofwhich extends farther down than its outer opposite parallel side andmoves in a depressed surface on the inside of the front of the case.This shell is adjusted vertically so as to limit the width of thedischarge-opening to the thickness of the publication to be expelledtherefrom and to present an inner abutting plate or wall which preventsthe publications below the uppermost one from moving forward out of thedischarge-opening when `the machine is operated. This shield is adjustedvertically by means of a screw 2, which is tapped through the lugs 3 3,projecting forward into a suitable vertical groove in the inside of thefront of the case from the rear of the shield. This screw is manipulatedby means of a suitable key, which must be inserted down through theopening 4 in the horizontal web of the shield over the squared upper endof the screw in order to reach it, and the lower end thereof bearsagainst thc horizontal bar 5, connecting the vertical shorter arms ofcorresponding bell-cranks 6 6. These bell-cranks are pivoted to theinner sides of the front of the case, and the ends of their longerhorizontally-disposed arms are pivotally connected to the inner side ofthe shield, substantially as shown in Fig. 6. Manipulating the screw sothat it will move downward will raise the shield, and manipulatingI itso that said screw moves upward will permit said shield to gravitatedownward.

The means for expelling the paper consists 'of a series of needles orpins e, that are driven through suitable transverse openings in a rod F,the ends of which are journaled in suitable lugs arising from theforward edge of a longitudinally-reciprocal open frame G, resting on andmoving over the partition B. These needles e project to a correspondingextent down through suitable niches f/ in the forward edge of thereciprocal frame G and down below the said partition through a series oflongitudinal slots g therein a sufficient distance to catch or penetrateinto the uppermost paper or publication when said frame G moves forward,and thereby expel the same.

Frame G is preferably of an open rectangular form of a width extending'from a point near one vertical side of the ease to a point very near theopposite side and is of a length corresponding to about one-half thedepth of the machine. The normal position of this frame G is mediate thefront and rear of the case, and its side edges are confined under thelongitudinal side strips ai i' of the bridgeframe H, by which it isguided when moved back and forth. When frame Gr arrives at the limit ofits rearward movement, arm 5,1', projecting' rearwardly from rod F,comes in contact with the forward unsecured end of an inverted-U-shapedflat spring F (whose rear end is permanently fastened to the partition)and is moved thereby, thus rocking rod F so that the points of theneedles will be almost vertical and will penetrate the uppermost paperor publication below said partition, and when said frame G moves forwardthe resistance of the paper being expelled will cause these needles toretain such position. Vhen said frame moves backward, however, thepoints of the needles automatically swing forward and are withdrawn fromthe punctures they made and ride over the paper until they arrive at thelimit of their rearward movement.

"Bridge-frame H is so called because its forward and rear transversebars, connecting the rear ends of the side strips thereof, bridge overthe distance between said side strips. These cross-bars are connectedabout their centers of length by a longitudinal bridge the rear portionl of which extends in the same horizontal plane as the portion of thesaid rear cross-bar to which it is connected and the forward longerportion J of which is in the higher horizontal plane of the centralportion of the forward cross-bar. Between the shoulder-connectingportions I and J of the bridge and the forward cross-bar of frame H saidportion J is provided with a longitudinal central slot J', and securedupon the longitudinal side members thus created by said slot arecorresponding sinuous side frames L. Arising from the rear humps ofthese side frames L are bearings Z for a rock-shaft m., and between thebearings of this shaft m it has bosses fn. a of the segmental gears M Msecured thereto. These bosses are of such width that their ends meetmidway between said bearings and confine between them a segmental arm'f, whose projection is greater than twice that of said segmental gearsM. The arms carrying said segmental gears M separate a short distancefrom bosses fa, so that said segmental arm passes between them, andthese segmental gears mesh with and engage the straight racks on theupper edges of the rear portions of the longitudinal parallel bars o o,which extend when in` their normal positions from a point in about thetransverse plane of the forward end of the sinuous frames L to a pointvery near shoulder e of the bridge I J, where their rearward movement isstopped by coming in contact with lugs p p, projecting from the saidbridge at the upper end of the shoulder vf thereof.

Placed between bars o o is a longitudinally-- reciprocal bolt K, therear portion of which is bifurcated to form legs down between which thearm f: extends. The rear of these legs extend slightly to the rear ofbars o o and are secured by means of the coiled spring R to a standardr, secured to and projecting from the rear cross-bar of thebridge-frame, as shown. The forward end of the bolt extends out througha suitable opening in the front'of the case and has its forwardextremity provided with a suitable hand-grasp K. The contraction ofspring R normally retains bolt K at the limit of its rearward movement,and the extent of this rearward movement is determined by the positionof a transverse pin s, extending through the bolt, which when themachine is not in use bears against the forward ends of the bar o.

Near the transverse plane of the forward end of the bars o the sides ofthe bolt and the inner engaging sides of said bars o are provided withcorresponding vertical recesses m and X, which when said bars and theboltare in their normal positions come opposite each other to form aseat for a coin. When in their normal positions, these coin seats orpockets are located immediately over a crossbar q, connecting theparallel side members of the forward portion J of the bridge, which thusprevents the coin deposited therein from falling through. W'hen a coinis placed in these pockets and the bolt drawn forward, the

IOO

IIO

coin is caught between the rear ends of the recess a' and the forwardends of the recesses X, and thus causes the bars 0 to move forwardsimultaneously with the bolt. The engagement of the racks on the rearends of these bars with the segmental gears M causes shaft m to move,and thus moves the semicircular arm 'f, and this arm, through the mediumof a link S, connecting its convexed edge at about its center of lengthto a lug t, secured to the center of lengthof the frame G. draws saidframe forward and causes the needles projecting through the slots in thepartition to engage the top paper below and move Vthe same forwardsimultaneously therewith. The arm 7c is made greater in length, so as toincrease the movement of the frame G beyond that necessary to give tothe bolt K. When the bolt has been drawn forward a sufficient distanceto enable the operator to grasp the forward edge of the paper orpublication, it is released and automatically moves to the rear, and themoment it does this the coin, which has been moved forward beyond thesupport of cross-bar q of the bridge, drops through the forward portionof the said slot therein into a suitable receptacle or box T, securedimmediately under the same to the front of the case.

Pivotcd between the rear ends of the legs of the bolt is arearwardly-extending longitudinal arm V, the rear extremity of whichrests upon the upper surface of the portion I of the bridge while thebolt is moving' rearward. Vhen saidgbolt is restored to its originalposition, the end of the segmental arm 7c strikes under arm V and raisesthe same, so that when the machine is not in operation said arm V is insubstantially the position shown in Fig. l. Now as bolt K is movedforward the segmental arm swings downward and arm V gravitates downwarduntil its laterally-turned end drops upon the serrated upper edge of arack fv. The pitch of the teeth of rack Q: is such that should bolt K beaccidentally released during the forward movement said arm V will engagethe serrations thereof; otherwise said arm is sustained above said rackuntil said bolt arrives at the limit of its forward movement, whereuponthe moment the return of the bolt commences it will gravitate to theposition shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings.

The forward portions of the bars o and the portion of the bolt in whichthe recesses for the coin-pockets are made is covered by a suitableplate Z. Immediately over the normal position of these coin-pocketsplate Z is provided with suitable openings through which a coin maypass, and extending upward and forward from plate Z through the upperinclined portion of the case are coin-chutes Q Q, substantially asshown, which are so located that a coin dropped into either of themgravitates down upon the same and through the opening in plate Z intothe coin-seat beneath ythe same, whereupon the machine can be operatedin substantially the manner hereinbefore described.

What is claimed as new is l. A newspaper-vending machine comprising asuitable case; a partition having longitudinally-elongated openingstherein dividing the same into an upper and a lower compartment; anormally upwardly pressing tray in said lower compartment; alongitudinally-reciprocal frame in said upper compartment; a series ofneedles carried thereby and extending down through the openings in saidpartition; and devices for actuating said frame.-

2. A newspaper-vending machine comprising a suitable case; a partitionhavinglongitudinally-elongated openings therein dividing the same intoan upper and a lower compartment; a normally upwardly -pressing tray insaid lower compartment; a longitudinally-reciprocal frame insaid uppercompartment; an independently-movable series of needles carried therebyand extending down through the openings in said partition; and devicesfor actuating said frame.

3. A newspaper-vending machine comprising a suitable case; a partitionhaving longitudinally-elongated openings therein dividing the same intoan upper and a lower compartment; a normally upwardly pressing tray insaid lower compartment; a longitudinally-reciprocal frame in said uppercompartment; a series of needles carried thereby and extending downthrough the opening's in said partition; an automatically-returnablerack; parallel reciprocal means for moving' the same longitudinallyforward; and means for connecting said rack and said reciprocatingframe.

4. A newspaper-vending machine'comprising a suitable case having ahorizontal discharge-slot; an adjustable plate for the lower edgethereof; a partition having longitudinally-elongated openings thereinthe under surface of which is in the same plane as the upper edge ofsaid opening which divides said case into an upper and a lowercompartment; a normally upwardly pressing tray in said lowercompartment; a longitudinally-reciprocal frame in said uppercompartment; a series of needles carried thereby and extending downthrough longitudinally-elongated openings in said partition; and devicesfor actuating said frame.

5. A newspaper-vending machine comprising a suitable case; means forexpelling papers or` publications one at a time therefrom; anautomatically-returnable rack; parallel reciprocal means for moving thesame longitudinally forward; a segmental gear engaging said rack; an armconnected thereto and moving therewith; a link connecting said arm tosaid expelling means; and devices for preventing the accidental returnof the reciprocal means between the limits of its forward movement.

6. A newspaper-vending machine compris- IOO IIO

ing a suitable case; means for expelling papers or publications one at atime therefrom; an automatically-rettirnable rack; parallel reciprocalmeans for moving the same longitudinallyforward; a segmental gearengaging said rack; a curved arm connected to and actuated by said rack;a link connecting said arm to said expelling means; an arm pivoted tothe rear of said reciprocalmeans adapted' to be engaged by said curvedarm; and a stationary rack engaged by the arm pivoted to said reciprocalmeans.

7. A newspaper-vending machine comprising a suitable case; a partitiondividing the same into an upper and lower compartment; areciproeal framein the upper compartment, and means carried thereby for expelling papersor publications one at a time from the lower compartment;automatically-returnable racks; parallel reciprocal means for moving'the same longitudinally forward; a rock-shaft; segmental gears engagingsaid racks; an arm secu red to said rock-shaft and extending therefrombetween said segmental gears; and a link connecting said arm with saidreciproeating frame.

8. A newspaper-vending machine comprising a suitable case; a partitiondividing' the same into an upper and lower compartment; a reciprocalframe 1n the upper compartment,

land means carried thereby for expelling papers or publications one at atime from the lower compartment; automatically-returnable racks;parallel reciprocal means for moving the same longitudinally forward; arock-shaft; segmental gears engaging said racks; a curved arm secured tosaid rock-shaft and extending therefrom between said segmental gears; alink connecting' said curved arm with said rcciprocating frame; an armpivoted between the rearrends of said reciprocal means; and a stationaryrack adapted to be engaged by said last-mentioned arm, as and for thepurposes set forth.

1n testimony whereof l have hereunto set my hand, in the presence of twowitnesses, this 2d day of April, 1903.

E. K. LUNDY, E. W. HART.

